The Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, released $500,000 in emergency funds to various food banks in its territory amid the ongoing government shutdown.
“The Catholic Church provides relief and hope for God’s children. It’s what we have done for over 2,000 years and what we continue to do today,” said a November 3 statement from Archbishop Christopher Coyne.
He continued, “In the spirit of Jesus’ command to serve our brothers and sisters in need, I am pleased today to release $500,000 in funding from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal to food banks throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford. These funds will help to ensure that those who rely on SNAP benefits for nourishment can still put food on the table for themselves and their families.”
Food banks in Hartford, Litchfield, and New Haven counties will receive the funds, said the press release from the archdiocese.
The $500,000 donated to the food banks was taken from the Archbishop's Annual Appeal fund, said the Archdiocese of Hartford. This figure is in addition to the amount that is normally given from the Archbishop's Annual Appeal to support area food banks.
SNAP, other benefits, delayed due to shutdown
SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was formerly known as "food stamps." It is the largest food assistance program in the United States.
Approximately 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits.
On November 1, federal funding for SNAP was not renewed due to the government shutdown. Some states, including Connecticut, have dipped into surplus funds to partially fund SNAP benefits.
The U.S. government has been shut down since midnight, September 30. This is the longest shutdown in American history.